True North Organizing Network develops leadership in communities with common values across Tribal Lands, Del Norte, and Humboldt Counties. True North supports families, elders, youth, and individuals of diverse faith traditions, races, cultures, and economic capacities working together for powerful change. United, using the power of relationships and a disciplined community organizing model, True North leaders are courageously challenging social, economic, and environmental injustice in our region.
Tell us a little more about what True North Organizing Network does in our region.
True North is an incredible multirace, multifaith, social justice organization. We take a grassroots approach to building community and holding people accountable—in a positive way.
How does your leadership in the community and at True North intersect with the initiatives of AEDC?
I’ve been aware of some of AEDC’s projects through my work with True North. We have worked with Tribes on various economic development projects, and AEDC has been a partner in funding those projects. I’m appreciative of the way AEDC approaches their work and the way they bring economic development implementation to the region.
AEDC has a regional footprint that allows us to imagine and dream about how to make positive change and jobs that impact communities across our region, and True North is excited to be a bridge to facilitate that important work.
What are your goals in serving on the board?
AEDC has the financial wherewithal to partner with beneficial projects with more cross-county potential and projects, and True North can help build those connections and foster those relationships.
I would also love to be a part of and see youth entrepreneurism—teaching young people from an early age that they can make and create their own business. Knowing how to make your own money, built on your passions and interests is a lifelong skill that shapes your outlook on life.
What is your favorite thing about living in Humboldt County?
I split my time throughout Orleans, the Arcata-Eureka area, and up in Del Norte County. I love being able to experience this whole region.
What is a place that brings you peace?
I recently was reminded of a photograph my uncle took of me in high school, diving into the white water of the river. My aunt is Karuk, and had an allotment on Salmon River near Orleans. I spent one summer getting to know that river really well. Even though that picture looked like I was diving into a dangerous spot in the river, I knew where every rock was. When I think back on the land near the Klamath and Salmon River, it’s a place that still brings me so much joy.
How does our rural location impact the conversation around economic advocacy?
True North is unique in that we are one of the few social justice organizations in the country that actively work with Native Americans in a rural setting. Because of that, we often have to reinterpret social justice causes for the ears, eyes, and hearts of those in Humboldt. We have to translate what our brothers and sisters in urban centers care about—we care about the same problems on the North Coast, we just talk about them differently.
How you fight matters—rural advocacy is a different animal. We have to take a very diplomatic and relational approach to our accountability and advocacy work, whether that’s in the realm of economic prosperity, affordable housing, or the many other challenges and opportunities our region faces.
